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Friday, March 31, 2017

If you're the type of person that cooks an amazing dinner - full to the brim with rich wines, cheeses, and meats - for the whole family at the end of a hard week and feeds the leftovers to a patient pooch waiting under the table then stop right there.

No - don't stop making and cooking amazing food, just don't give it to your dog! It might seem heartless, but dogs need to eat right to live a long and fulfilling life. As smaller animals than humans, dogs are susceptible to different illnesses, and their smaller stomachs might not be able to handle the rich palette of our foods - in fact, we can't really handle it ourselves! Most humans are lactose intolerant and pay no heed to this. While it can be a nice treat, don't give your dog the food that you eat over the long term as it can lead to more than just an upset stomach.

This might leave you a bit confused as to what you can actually give to your dog. It might not seem like an exact science - but it is. We'll move onto the food in a bit, but the amounts vary. If you've got a big Labrador, it will obviously need a lot more food and water than a smaller Chihuahua. Feeding guides are all over dog food - so just be sure to know the weight of the dog before you start filling bowls up. One thing you can't go wrong with is water, just fill the bowl up whenever it is empty - critically important on hotter days.

In terms of actually feeding your dog - many breeds have specially prepared food and if not that, food exists to feed dogs of all ages, from puppies to seniors. If you own a bulldog, for example, and you're unsure, there are plenty of resources that can let you know the best food for your bulldog pal. Learning here is key - and it's worth feeding your dog its staple food from the get-go, before it develops a taste for the finer things in life.

In terms of actually feeding your dog - many breeds have specially prepared food and if not that, food exists to feed dogs of all ages, from puppies to seniors. If you own a bulldog, for example, and you're unsure, there are plenty of resources that can let you know the best food for your bulldog pal. Learning here is key - and it's worth feeding your dog its staple food from the get-go, before it develops a taste for the finer things in life.

But what human food can you give to a dog? Save this stuff for treats. Peanut butter is a great treat as it's pretty good for dogs anyway as long as it is totally natural. The best bet here is to make it yourself with organic ingredients. Yoghurt is good as well, just don't give the dog too much. If you want to serve up some meat for pooch - stick to boiled chicken and turkey.

Being a healthy weight is vital for our health, which is why it’s so important to try to be as healthy as possible when it comes to your diet. Of course, dieting isn’t exactly easy, which is why so many of us fail when it comes to attempting to lead healthier lives. Dieting can often be downright boring and depressing, which is why so many of us fail at it. However, the good news is that it doesn’t have to be that way. Believe it or not, losing weight doesn’t have to be a bore, it’s just a case of going about it in the right way. With that in mind, below are some tips and ideas for making dieting easier and more enjoyable for you.

When it comes to losing weight, one of the easiest ways to make it more enjoyable and easier to stay on track is to buddy up. It’s amazing how much easier and more enjoyable dieting is when you have a friend to do it with. You can share recipe ideas, workout together, motivate each other when you are feeling like you are about to give up. If you have a friend who has mentioned she wants to lose weight, then why not ask her to buddy up? Think how much more enjoyable it will be with a friend to keep you company as you navigate your way through cutting out the junk food and eat healthily.

Find a diet that works for you

The key to dieting success is finding a diet that works for you. Believe it or not, when it comes to weight loss success, finding a diet that works well for your lifestyle and needs is of the utmost importance. There are plenty of diets to choose from; it’s just a case of visiting their websites like HCGdiet.com, reading up, and working out which diet sounds like the best fit for you. Often, when it comes to finding that perfect diet plan, it’s a case of trial and error. So, if the first diet plan that you try isn’t for you, don’t give up, find another one that is a better match.

To prevent yourself from getting bored, it’s a good idea to experiment with different recipes. If there’s a meal that you fancy, but it’s too unhealthy for the diet that you are on, consider experimenting to try and make it healthier. Take spaghetti carbonara, for instance, it contains a lot of cheese and cream, but if you swap to using low-fat cream cheese, it instantly becomes a healthier dish. When it comes to diet success, it’s just a case of doing some experimenting, that's all.

Track your progress

Last but not least, if you want to ensure that you stay motivated and on track, it’s helpful to track your progress. That way you don’t end up feeling like you aren’t making progress as you are able to see the results that you are achieving. Honestly, being able to see your results helps a lot when it comes to staying on track as it helps to motivate you.

Yes, it is possible to make losing weight easier and more enjoyable, it’s just a case of being smart about how you go about it.

We all love summer. After all, it means longer days and time in the outdoors. And it also means we get to work on our tan. Everyone always seems cheerier during the summer months with their vacations just around the corner. But while there are a ton of benefits to the wonderful season, it’s not all good news. For one thing, summer means more sleepless nights as you try and get kip in the hot weather. Also, being outside in the sun for too long can mean burnt skin. And you can be at risk of skin cancer if you are not lathered up properly before heading in the sun. And while there are some pitfalls for you during the summer months, there are also some downfalls to your home during the warm season. And without proper prevention, you could end up with damage to your property. In fact, here are some ways you can protect your home during summer.

While we love the sun, it’s not so friendly to our furniture. In fact, the UV rays from the sun can cause significant damage to the furniture inside and outside of our home. For furniture inside the property, the UV rays can easily come through your window and damage items like chairs and sofas. In fact, you might notice your wood furniture can lose color and start to degrade if it’s in full view of the sun. And leather sofas can also be damaged in the sunlight. Therefore, to ensure it doesn’t get ruined in the sunshine, you need to position it away from the window. Pick an area of the room which gets less sunlight during the day. That way, the damage will be minimal to your furniture. Also, you need to get some good blinds or shutters for your windows. That way, you can adjust these in the day to stop the UV rays getting in your home. And as well as protecting your furniture, stopping the sunlight getting in can also prevent damage to your electronic items. After all, computers and TVs can easily overheat if they are in direct sunlight. As for your outdoor furniture, it’s so important to make sure they have some shade to stop them getting ruined in the sunlight. After all, it’s so easy for wood furniture to fade due to the sun. For one thing, you can get some sealant which you can use on the furniture. It not only protects it from the sun but it also stops rain damaging it too. And this coating can also be used on your shed roof too. Also, position outdoor furniture underneath a shaded porch. That way, it won’t get ruined by the sunlight. And it also offers you a shaded place away from the sunlight too while outside!

As much as summer can be a great season, it can be frustrating when the bugs arrive. After all, there are a wealth of pests around like ants, wasps, and mosquitos during the summer months. And the worst thing about them is they are likely to be in your home during the hot weather. And a lot of the time, you don’t even know how they got into your property. Ants can easily find holes which can provide an entrance into your property. While bugs like mosquitos and wasps can get in through open windows. As for fleas, these can be carried in by the family pet. After all, they are a lot more common during the summer months. And once they get into your home, it’s a nightmare for your family. For one thing, they can bite and inflame your skin. As for your house, they can damage the structure and make it unsanitary. And it can be a challenge to rid them from your home. For a lot of people, they have to resort to calling an exterminator to get them removed from the home to stop further damage. To hunt one down, you can look at pest control reviews. That way, you can be assured they are reliable, and the pests won’t return anytime soon. Also, there are a few other things you can do to stop them making an appearance during summer. For one thing, you can get some insect shades for windows. That way, you can have the windows open to let some air into your home without them entering your home. Also, make sure that your pet has flea preventive during the summer months. That way, it will stop the fleas invading your home this summer!

The home can feel like a heater

As much as I love the sun, it can become unbearable when the weather does get too hot. In fact, you can struggle to keep cool inside your home. In fact, the house can start to feel like a giant heater during the summer months. And then it can affect your items like your furniture and your electronic items if the house gets too hot. It also means you will have to resort to using your air conditioner a lot during the summer months. And while this is good for keeping you cool, there are some downfalls. For one thing, it can affect the humidity in your home. And it can cause airborne dust and fungi which can affect your breathing. Also, if the humidity levels are poor, you might start suffering from problems like damp and mold in your home. Therefore, try and find other ways to keep your home cool. For example, use blinds to stop the sun getting in and heating your home. And let air in through your windows instead of relying on the A/C! That way, your home will be less of a heater during the summer months

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The hot sun can cause problems for your roof

Our roof might be the last thing on our mind during the summer months. But it’s actually something we need to keep a close eye on during the hot season. After all, you might be surprised to know that the heat can do a wealth of damage to the roof. For one thing, the prolonged sun can cause cracks or curling of shingles. In fact, a lot of people look up and notice they have damaged shingles which is down to the sun. And these can then cause a leak in your property if you are not careful. In fact, you might end up calling a roofer to fix it quickly to prevent further water damage. And the color of your roof can also change by the hot UV rays of the sun. To prevent damage to your roof during the summer months, you should get a roofing company to come out after spring. They can maintain the roof so that it’s ready for the summer months. And they can stop problems in their tracks before they become more costly. Also, they can also apply some kind of roof coating. After all, this works as a sunblock to stop heat related damage to your roof! And that way, you can have a good roof for longer!

The thunderstorms can damage the home’s structure

After there have been a few days of extremely hot weather during the summer season, there is typically a thunderstorm. And while it can be a blessing to get rid of the hot heat for a few hours, it can put your home at risk. In fact, millions of damage can occur to properties due to thunderstorms every year. Everything from water damage to structure problems can occur due to the storm. Therefore, to protect your home, make sure you get your home maintained before the thunderstorms arrive. That way, they can check the foundation and the roof to ensure they are in good condition before a storm hits. You should also make sure things like your windows are shut tight before a storm arrives too. That way, no water can enter your home. And make sure you trim trees in your front and back garden. And ensure they are in a sturdy condition. After all, you don’t want them falling on your property during a storm which can damage the structure! And make sure you have valid home insurance to protect your home before summer arrives. That way, if you do encounter any problems, you can claim on this and get it sorted quickly. After all, it can be a nightmare if the funds have to come from your own pocket.

And your home is at higher risk of break-ins during the summer months. After all, you are more likely to have windows and doors open in the heat. And an intruder could easily enter your home without you knowing while you are in the back garden. Therefore, make sure you put locks on your windows so that they can only be pushed open so far. And keep your front door locked while you are in the back garden. Also, installing a burglar alarm will alert you if anyone does try and get into your home!

This was a very simple and casual outfit where I got to wear my favorite chihuahua leggings with a Large pink Irma. I love the Irma because I love long tunic tops and if I want to switch it up I can always put a knot in the bottom of the Irma too!

Thursday, March 30, 2017

I dont' know about you but my mom has always been a huge role model for me and over the years I realize how much she actually did for me throughout my entire life. From changing diapers and losing sleep to answering my calls with homeowner questions and how to plant seeds in my garden, my mom has always been there for me. While I know she appreciates something as simple as lunch and flowers, I like to give her gifts that are not only practical but very unique.

So for those of you that struggle to figure out what to get your mother every year, look no further than this unique gift guide I've put together with items from UncommonGoods, one of my favorite places to get beautiful and unique items and especially gifts for women. I can always count on UncommonGoods for unique gift ideas year round.

I really love UncommonGoods because they are an independently-owned business and they are able to support causes near and dear to their heart. With every purchase made, they donate $1 to the non-profit of your choice! In fact, since they started the Better to Give program 12 years ago, they have donated over $1Million to charities all over the world. One of my favorites is the American Forests non0profit which protects and restores forests worldwide and helps preserve the health of the planet for us and future generations.

The below list is great for a wide variety of moms whether your mom loves gifts of jewelry or gifts for the home.

1. Literary CandlesIf your mom has always been a fan of literary classics, why not give her the gift of soy candles that include the theme of some of the most notable novels. There are four amazing fragrances to choose from and they are all custom blended and hand-poured in New York.

2. Flavor Infused Water BottleFor the mom that enjoys fruit and makes it a point to stay hydrated give her the gift of a flavor-infused water bottle taht she can fill with her favorite fruits and flavors. Plus the glass bottle is environmentally friendly since it's reusable!

3. Birth Month Flower NecklaceWhat mom doesn't wear jewelry? Each necklace contains the birth flower for that month. Each one is dried, pressed, and captured in a resin pendent. The flowers are sourced from around the world. Each and every flower is unique and beautiful! This will definitely make her smile everytime she looks at it.

4. Dawn Redwood Bonsai ForestIt's a well known fact that moms worry about us no matter how old we get. So help her relax with a Bonsai forest that she can keep anywhere in her home. It will act as a reminder to slow down and take a deep breath. These small trees are ancestors of the giant California redwoods. I mean how cool is that?!

5. Wine SoapsEvery mom loves soap and obviously wine. So why not mix the two together with these unique wine soaps? These are all natural vegan and gluten-free soaps full of delicious fragrances of wine and oils. Sometimes the only place moms can find peace is in the bathroom so let her stay in there and enjoy these soaps.

6. Upcycled Cotton Safari RobeA robe is such a comforting thing that reminds you to stay cozy as soon as you wake up or as soon as you step out of the shower. This would make a gorgeous gift for the mom that loves upcycled clothing. These squares of beautiful material have unique patterns and colors and are patched together by artisans in a village in India!

7. Ballerina Herbal Warming SlippersWhy do moms always have cold feet? I never understood that. Regardless, your mom will love these cozy comfy slippers. They not only will make her feet feel good but she can cool them down in the fridge in the summer and the put them on during the worst of heat waves.

8. Floral Wood WatchWood watches are all the rage these days but the floral wood watch takes the cake. It's created from driftwood and felled treats and the beautiful floral designs make it even more beautiful and unique.

9. Artisanal Bamboo Salt ChestFor the moms that enjoy cooking you can't go wrong with a beautiful gourmet salt collection in this beautiful display box. There are 24 salts from all around the world! This is the gift that keeps on giving for many meals to come.

10. Bamboo Pastel Nesting BowlsAnd for the bakers out there, these pastel nesting bowls will brighten her day and make mixing ingredients even more fun. They are made from sustainable bamboo fiber and are very strong but lightweight. A great edition to any mom's cabinets.

Wednesday, March 29, 2017

Perfumes and colognes have been around for centuries. People want to smell good. Since the human body in its natural state can often carry an unpleasant odor, it is only natural that we want to put on something a bit more appealing to those around us. In essence, a quality fragrance completes us. It makes us more confident and ready to tackle whatever might come our way. Consider the following six ways that fragrances can add substance to your being.

Level of Attractiveness is Elevated

When you buy perfume online, you can count on your level of attractiveness going up. People want you to smell good. It is as simple as that. There are subtle smells, and then there are those that are more bold. Decide which one goes with your personality and then go from there. This speaks to both males and females. There are fragrances designed for every type of individual out there, so explore and increase your level of attractiveness overnight.

People Perceive That You Are More Trustworthy

Believe it or not, people who smell good are perceived to be more trustworthy than those that do not. Perhaps this has something to do with the fact that they are more pleasant to be around. Whatever the case might be, you will want to wear a nice fragrance any time you have an important meeting or when you are in a situation where you need to exude that special air of trustworthiness.

Stress Levels Can Be Reduced

We live in a stressful world. There is no denying that reality. Pleasant smells, however, can reduce the stress and anxiety that creeps into our lives from time to time. While others will appreciate the pleasant aroma coming from you body, so will your own psyche. It works both ways. Think of smells that make you feel good and work those into your collection of fragrances. You will be happy that you did.

Confidence Level Will Go Up

Consider the other points that we have just made. Each of these can effectively increase your self esteem and lead to an elevated level of confidence. This is certainly a positive development. When you perceive that others see you in a positive light, you will begin to walk a bit straighter, your head will be up hight, and will exude the confidence that comes with a successful man or woman. All of this from a simple bottle of perfume and cologne. It really is a powerful agent that you are putting on, so dash a bit under your ears today.

Be More Alert

Smells do heighten our senses. They make us more aware of our surroundings and this causes us to become more alert. When you are in an important meeting, think of the smells that are around you. If they are pleasant, you are likely to pay more attention and be more focused. When you smell good, the same principle rings true. Do not discount the importance of this little fact. You will begin to hone in on your surroundings and you will be tackle whatever comes your way. When the smells are neutral, we are not nearly as aware and this impacts our overall level of performance.

More Appealing To Potential Romantic Partners

Now we get to the principle that many of you have been waiting for. Perfume and cologne can definitely make you more appealing to a potential romantic partner. Nobody wants to be close to someone that simply does not smell that great. Even if someone has a neutral body smell, there might be limited attraction when compared to someone who has a pleasant fragrance on their person. You do not want to wear something too strong, but you do want the fragrance to be noticeable and to demonstrate that you care about your appearance and how you smell. This will speak volumes to that romantic interest of yours, so wear a fragrance and be confident.

These are just some of the many ways that fragrances can add to the complete you. Choose your favorite designer, find a place to order it, and it to your collection today. You will be happy with the results.

It's no secret that pregnancy changes our lives in more than one way. The obvious change is that at the end of it, you have a baby - a whole other human life that depends on you and you alone to take care of him or her. All the things you may have once considered to be important, such as going out drinking or buying the latest fashions, now take a backseat as your world becomes all about the baby. Physical changes are next up on the list, with a huge proportion of women finding that their bodies change massively both during and after pregnancy. All these things are just normal aspects of being a new mother, but adjusting to them all is another issue entirely. Some women find it harder than others to adjust to their new life - it is different for every individual case. Having a young baby can also mess with your hormones and your mental health, especially if you are a single mother bringing up your child on your own. Sure, it can be an exciting time, but it can be easy to feel swamped by your new responsibilities and by all the sudden interest in your role as a mother. This leaves many first-time parents feeling lost, as though the second their child was born they lost any individual identity and simply become 'mom.' But although your child may be your whole world, you still have plenty more to offer than just changing diapers and talking about how tired you are! Take a look at these tips for holding onto your identity even after the birth of your child, and how you can get back to feeling like 'you.'

Image sourceMake time for friends The idea of leaving your new baby out of your sight for more than a couple of minutes probably terrifies you. But it's something you are going to have to do sooner rather than later, so you know the saying: there's no time like the present! Plus, the longer you wait it out before finally taking the plunge, the harder you are likely to find it. Taking time out of mom responsibilities to catch up with your friends can be a welcome change, if only you give it a chance. Motherhood can easily sap up all your time and energy, and you probably have been quite out of the loop regarding your friend's lives for the past few months. Remember that even though they may not have children, they still have things going on in their lives - work, family, relationships, etc. Sitting back and listening to what your friends have been up to can add a slice of normality back into what can often be a very unusual time in our lives - and of course, they will want to hear all about your baby too! Consider leaving your child with a trusted family member while you pop out to see the girls, even if it's just for an hour or so. Getting out of the house can also stop you from suffering from cabin fever, and you will return feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

Image sourceTreat yourself to some new clothes Okay, so for some of us, it takes a while to snap back into that pre-baby body. There really shouldn't be any rush to whip back into shape. After all, you've just had a baby! There is far too much to do during those first few months of your child's life to worry about working out and eating a super-strict diet. It's more about finding the time to eat ANYTHING, as you probably know. But if re-wearing all of your old maternity stuff seems less than appealing (it probably does), why not treat yourself to some new clothes? Chances are you are probably somewhere in between your maternity size and back to your pre-baby dress size - so rather than forcing yourself into either of them, simply get some new outfits to see you through! Buying clothes that you feel good in and that work for everything motherhood can throw at you is seriously undervalued. Even if it's just a bright blouse or a great-fitting pair of jeans, it can really make you feel more like yourself again.

Image sourceSeeing a doctor Sometimes, the challenges we face as new mothers can be a little more on the serious side. You may have had a stressful birth that has had a particularly negative effect on your body, and you just can't shake the self-conscious feeling that's been hanging around you ever since. In these instances, you may want to consider seeing a specialist doctor details about any concerns you may have. You can find details about the practice in advance online, so you should be able to get some idea of whether it is right for you. Mental health is also something that should be at the top of your priority list as a new mom. If you are feeling constantly down or you have trouble bonding with your baby, it could be a sign of postnatal depression. Visit your family doctor or find out if there are any support groups for mothers in your area. Bear in mind that your hormones are all over the place after giving birth, so if you do feel low, don't be too hard on yourself. It will pass.

Image sourceTaking up a hobby again This probably won't be something you can do until your child is a little bit older. But getting back into an old hobby can be a great way to reconnect with your old self again and give you some time away from 'mom mode.' Drop your child off to spend an hour or two with grandma and grandpa and head off to the activity of your choice - it could be anything from your local sports team to attending a life drawing class. Focusing your mind on something other than feeding times, diapers and baby books will be a welcome change, and you can lead a much healthier and happier life as a result.

We all get stuck in a rut from time to time. It appears that some get stuck in a rut more than others. You may feel stuck in a rut for a week or two, you may feel stuck in a rut for half a year to a year. Only you can get out of the rut you’re in, so take some of the following steps to help you to move forward:

Write Down The Things You Love To Do

Start off by writing down the things you love to do, the things that make you feel alive. You can also write down the things you always think about but never actually try out. Once you have a list of things, try to incorporate them more in your life. Maybe it’s making a regular coffee date with a friend, and trying out a new craft every now and again. By making sure you incorporate lots of different things that you enjoy in your life, you’ll feel so much better. Your life will feel more full of fun and excitement than ever before!

Notice The Things That Give You More Energy

People change. This means that it’s OK to like doing something, and then lose your passion for it. There are ways you can get the passion back, but it could be time to try something else for a while. Make note of the things that make you energetic. If you’ve always considered yourself to be an avid tennis player, but the thought of playing the game makes you feel sad, then don’t force yourself to do it. You may have grown out of it, or you may simply need a break. Try something that makes you feel alive and go with the flow to see where it takes you. Make sure you don’t apply too much pressure to yourself here. If you develop a new found love for writing, but tell yourself your book must be a bestseller, you probably won’t finish it. Just do things because you enjoy them, and not because you think the end result will be satisfactory. The first time anybody does anything is usually rubbish!

It’s OK to ask for help if you need it. Maybe you’re feeling depressed; you could book an appointment with your doctor. Maybe all you need to do is tell a friend that you’re struggling. You could even check out a site like Readings with Matt to see if there’s an alternative option out there for you. Sometimes, intuitive people are the best people to speak to in times of crisis!

Read A Lot

There are so many books out there that could help you to take a leap of faith and do something you really want to do. If you’re indecisive about where you want to go, you’re still making a decision not to go anywhere or do anything. This needs to change if you’re going to notice big improvements in your life. Start reading books from people who have been there and done that and you might just pick up some useful advice.

Put The Extra Work In

When you know what you need to do, it’s important to realize that these things take work. You may need to fit some work in before bed or before work; whenever you can manage it. You’ll need to spend your free time researching and doing things to help take you closer to your goal, even if these things are only seemingly tiny. It’s a case of taking small steps until you’re exactly where you want to be.

Write Down All The Ways You Can Improve

You may have a good idea of some of the ways you can improve. Maybe you’d like to be somebody who works out 3 times a week minimum. Maybe you want to be a person who meditates, who can control their spending. Somebody who has their life together. Write down what the version of you who you really want to be is like. Now, start taking small steps towards that person. The smallest step can make the biggest difference! It’s so much easier when you break things like this up into smaller chunks too. Looking at everything you want to do can be overwhelming. Breaking it up will make it seem like a piece of cake.

There could be a number of things to blame for you not being where you’d like right now. Are you stuck in a soul destroying job? Are you drinking a lot? Are you spending time with negative people? All of these things can be holding you back from a bigger and better reality. However, it all boils down to one thing; you. You are the only thing that’s really holding you back, so stop making excuses and make a change!

Don’t Doubt Your Own Dreams

There may be a little voice in your head that tells you to doubt yourself. The voice telling you you’re not good enough to write that book. The voice that says you’re being silly, or reaching too high. You need to find a way to quieten that voice! You should never doubt your own dreams. Others have done it; why not you? You can do anything you set your mind to. It’s a case of figuring out your deeply held beliefs, especially those that make you feel you’re not worthy or good enough. Then you can begin to get rid of them and start living your life!

Stop Living In The Past

Maybe you’re living in the past. Perhaps you had a job you loved but you were let go. Maybe a valued relationship ended. You need to stop living in the past if you want to move forward. Thinking about the past too much and wondering ‘what if?’ will only make you go crazy.

Decide To Start Living And Appreciating The Moment

Start living. Say yes to going places with your friends. Decide to be happy. Decide how you want to feel each day, and do your best. Appreciate each moment. It isn't the events we remember, but the moments!